How to Pick the Perfect Puzzle
Jigsaw puzzles are a classic pastime that have been enjoyed for generations, and they make wonderful gifts! While some may think that all jigsaw puzzles are created equal, there are actually a number of factors that contribute to a good jigsaw puzzle. Let’s explore what makes a good jigsaw puzzle and provide some tips for choosing the perfect one when you’re looking to gift a puzzle.
High-Quality Pieces
The quality of the puzzle pieces is perhaps the most important factor for a good jigsaw puzzle. The pieces should be thick and sturdy, so they don't bend or tear. They should also fit together snugly and have clean edges. The overall quality of the puzzle pieces is what separates a good puzzle from a mediocre one.
If you stick to high quality puzzle brands (like Ravensburger, Springbok, Buffalo Games, White Mountain Puzzles) you’ll know that the puzzle is going to exceed even the most discerning puzzlers’ quality expectations!
Interesting Image
The image on the puzzle is also an important factor to consider. A good jigsaw puzzle should have an interesting and engaging image that captures your attention. Whether it's a beautiful landscape, a famous work of art, or a colorful pattern, the image should be something that you enjoy looking at and spending time with. The image on the puzzle should also be sharp and vibrant, with no pixelation or blurriness. If you stick to a high quality brand as discussed above, you’ll know that the image is going to be high quality and interesting.
Appropriate Level of Difficulty
The level of difficulty of the puzzle is another important factor to consider. A good jigsaw puzzle should be challenging enough to keep you engaged, but not so difficult that it becomes frustrating or impossible to complete. The number of pieces in the puzzle is one factor that contributes to its difficulty level, but the complexity of the image can also play a role. Look for puzzles with lots of detail and limited solid color spaces if you want a puzzle that’s challenging without being frustrating.
Varied Puzzle Piece Shapes
The shape of the puzzle pieces is also an important factor to consider. A good jigsaw puzzle should have a variety of piece shapes, so that it's not too easy to match up the pieces. A puzzle with pieces that are all the same shape can be frustrating to complete, as it's difficult to tell where each piece belongs.
If you want to find a puzzle that checks all of these boxes along with some other fun puzzle accessories, be sure to check out our puzzle gift list when on the hunt for your next puzzle gift!